Black Ball Someone

Black Ball Someone : Phrases

Meaning:

A person who is not acceptable, usually as a member of a group or club.

Example:

If you do not pay commission to the director of the committee, he will black ball you.

Origin:

The expression is derived from 18th century clubs. New applications for membership were examined by the ruling committee - secret votes were then cast by putting balls into a container. Red balls meant acceptance and black ones rejection. It only needed one black ball for the application to fail.